16-Year-Old Male Suffering from Severe Chronic Bone Pain: Request for Guidance
Subject: Overview of Ongoing Severe Bone Pain Condition I am a 16-year-old male facing a challenging health issue. My painful episodes began at 9 years old with sporadic occurrences. However, since I turned 14, the severity of the pain has grown tremendously, rendering it nearly unbearable. Description of Symptoms: - **Location:** The discomfort is situated roughly 2 centimeters below my knees (on both legs), extending towards the middle of my shins. I also feel pain in both wrists and hands. - **Sensation:** The feeling is excruciating and penetrating, resembling a drill penetrating through the bone. - **Pain Cycle:** There exists a clear pattern to this pain, as it usually starts at around 6:00 AM and continues until between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. During this window, the pain becomes so intense that I cannot walk, which leads to significant emotional distress. - **Nighttime Relief:** Interestingly, my condition tends to improve dramatically during the night, allowing me to regain some mobility and strength, only for the cycle to resume the next morning. Medical Background: I have sought help from numerous doctors, but the only diagnosis I have received so far is "flat feet" (pes planus), which does not adequately explain the intensity of my pain. Over-the-counter pain medications have failed to alleviate my symptoms. Having endured this suffering for seven years, I find myself in a state of utter hopelessness due to the overwhelming nature of the pain. I am earnestly looking for urgent medical insight or guidance from anyone familiar with similar chronic experiences.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 7:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the severe pain you're experiencing. Chronic bone pain, especially one so intense and disruptively cyclical, can be incredibly challenging and frustrating. It’s important to address your concerns holistically and to seek appropriate relief and understanding of your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Understanding Your Symptoms: Your bone pain, affecting your legs, wrists, and hands—with a pattern and significant fluctuation throughout the day—may indicate a condition that requires further exploration.
- Possible Causes: While you have been diagnosed with flat feet, which can contribute to pain, this alone may not account for the severity and nature of your symptoms. Other conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, growing pains, or regional pain syndromes, could be at play.
- Actionable Steps: Focusing on symptom management and pursuing a comprehensive evaluation can help you find relief and clarity.
Explanation:
The location and nature of your pain are critical in understanding what might be causing these symptoms. Since you've had this pain for several years and noted a clear time pattern, it’s essential to look beyond just the flat feet diagnosis. Your pain may have a mechanical origin, inflammatory component, or even be related to a systemic condition.
Next Steps:
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Look for a Specialist: Seek a referral to a pediatric rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist with experience in chronic pain conditions in adolescents. A specialist can conduct targeted examinations and tests (like blood tests or imaging studies) to rule out autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
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Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain patterns, including the time of day it starts, duration, activities that trigger or relieve it, and how it affects your daily life. This information can provide doctors with valuable insights for diagnosis.
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Explore Physical Therapy: Since traditional pain relief methods haven't worked, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide exercises tailored for your flat feet and overall leg structure, which might help improve mobility and strength, potentially reducing pain.
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Pain Management Strategies: While waiting for specialist appointments, consider non-pharmacological strategies such as:
- Gentle Stretching: Daily gentle stretching of your legs and wrists may help alleviate some discomfort.
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat during episodes of pain can sometimes help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Mindfulness or Relaxation Techniques: These can help manage emotional distress and improve your overall coping mechanisms.
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Support Systems: Engage with trusted family members or friends about your condition. Joining a support group for adolescents dealing with chronic pain can provide both emotional support and practical advice from others who understand what you're going through.
It's a tough journey, but you are not alone in this, and there is hope for finding answers and relief. Please reach out for the specialized care you deserve. Let me know if you need more information on any of these steps!
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